Ælfthryth of Crowland facts for kids

Ælfthryth, also known as Alfreda or Alfritha, was a special woman from early England. She is remembered as a saint, a virgin (meaning she never married), and a recluse. A recluse is someone who chooses to live alone, away from others, often for religious reasons. People in both the Roman Catholic Church and the Antiochian Orthodox Church honor her.

Ælfthryth was the daughter of King Offa of Mercia and Queen Cynethryth. Mercia was a powerful kingdom in England long ago.

Ælfthryth's Early Life

Ælfthryth grew up as a princess in the royal court of Mercia. She was connected to St. Ethelbert, who was the king of the East Angles. They were either engaged to be married or deeply in love.

A Tragic Event

In the year 793, something very sad happened. King Ethelbert visited Ælfthryth. After his visit, he was captured and killed. This terrible act was done by Ælfthryth's own mother, Queen Cynethryth. The queen wanted her brother to become king instead.

Ælfthryth's Reaction

Ælfthryth was absolutely horrified by this event. She could not bear to stay at court after such a tragedy. She decided to leave her royal life behind.

Life as a Recluse

After the tragic death of King Ethelbert, Ælfthryth chose a new path. She left the royal court and went to Crowland Abbey. This abbey was a religious place located in the marshy lands of Crowland, England.

Living in Solitude

At Crowland, Ælfthryth became a recluse. This meant she lived a very quiet life, mostly alone, focusing on her faith. She stayed there for 40 years. She lived a long life and passed away peacefully from natural causes around the year 835.

Sister's Experience

Ælfthryth was not the only one in her family affected by royal politics. Her sister, Aelfreda, also lost her husband because of their parents' plans and actions.

Ælfthryth's Legacy

Ælfthryth is remembered for more than just her quiet life. She was known for special abilities.

Famous for Prophecies

According to an important book called the Oxford Dictionary of Saints, Ælfthryth was "famous for her prophecies." A prophecy is like a special message or a prediction about the future.

Her Resting Place

Ælfthryth's tomb, or burial place, was set up near the tomb of another important saint, St. Guthlac. This shows how respected she was.

Relics and Feast Day

There is a story from Crowland that Ælfthryth's relics were destroyed. Relics are special objects, often parts of a saint's body or belongings, that are kept and honored. This story says the relics were destroyed in 870 when Danish invaders attacked the abbey. However, there isn't much proof for this story.

Her special day, called a feast day, is celebrated every year on 2 August.